Feed-Through Larvicides

One strategy for managing fly control hinges on killing developing flies within the manure. A few companies have developed a feed-through larvicide for this purpose. It works like this: The horse is fed a daily dose of “medicated” alfalfa pellets and once the drug passes through the horse’s intestinal tract into the feces, it inhibits larval development before the larva mature into flies.

The effectiveness of this insect control method depends on the horse receiving the correct dose and that it is administered every day, and that all horses on the farm receive it otherwise flies will flourish in untreated manure. It is also important to keep in mind that manure is not the only place where flies breed, especially stable flies. They also do well in decomposing organic debris anywhere on the farm, including soiled stall bedding or damp, fermenting hay beneath pallets, as just a few examples. Further, flies that migrate in from other areas are unaffected by this medication at least until they lay eggs in treated manure.

Cyromazine and diflubenzuron contain a growth regulator that hinders maturation of immature fly larvae so they die. Tetrachlorvinphos kills larvae that hatch in the manure; however, as an organophosphate--a drug that is quite toxic to the equine liver--it is no longer a recommended drug to use. Discuss with your veterinarian if any of the feed-through larvicides are appropriate for use with your horses.

There are reports that resistance is developing to drugs like cyromazine, thereby rendering this treatment method less effective. Another point of consideration is how the feed-through larvicide might affect other invertebrates that breed in manure. Some are beneficial, such as dung beetles. In addition, the larvicide also has the potential to adversely impact parasitic wasps. The watershed should be protected as larvicides can be harmful to aquatic life if not used properly.

Biological insect control has received great acclaim in recent years as a means of avoiding the use of chemicals in the environment. One such “green” strategy is the use of predator wasps to target stable flies and houseflies, which are the majority of flies pestering your horses.

How can you reduce the fly burden on your property? Here are some helpful tips to help you decrease the flies, thus decrease their negative impact on you, your horses and the people around your facility.